Stoffels Acorus gramineus var. pusillus
Scientific Name: Acorus gramineus var. pusillus
Common Name: Japanese Sweet Flag
Origin: East Asia
Family: Acoraceae
Height: 5-30 cm
Growth Rate: Slow
Placement in Tank: Foreground, Border Plant
Light Requirement: Low to Medium
CO₂ Requirement: Not required
Temperature: 15-26°C
pH: 6.0-7.5
Propagation: Division
The Acorus gramineus var. pusillus, or Japanese Sweet Flag, is a charming and hardy aquatic plant perfect for adding a touch of natural elegance to any aquascape. With its bright green, grass-like foliage, it brings a structured, vibrant look to the aquarium or terrarium, serving beautifully as a foreground or border plant. Native to East Asia, this versatile species is suitable for various aquatic environments, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced aquascapers.
Key Features:
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Compact, Grass-Like Foliage: The plant's narrow, arching leaves resemble delicate blades of grass, offering a clean and orderly appearance to your setup.
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Versatile Application: Suitable for aquariums, terrariums, and paludariums, Dwarf Japanese Sweet Flag thrives in both submerged and emersed growth conditions, adding versatility to your aquascaping designs.
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Hardy and Easy to Care For: This plant's resilience makes it well-suited for a range of conditions, requiring minimal maintenance and making it easy to grow even in low-tech setups.
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Low to Medium Light Tolerance: It can flourish under low to medium lighting, making it a practical choice for aquariums that do not have high lighting requirements.
Care Requirements:
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Lighting: Preferring low to medium light, the plant does best with gentle illumination. Avoid direct, intense light, as it can cause yellowing or leaf damage.
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CO₂: While CO₂ supplementation is not necessary, the plant will appreciate the extra nutrients in a CO₂-enhanced environment, especially if higher growth is desired.
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Water Parameters: Thrives within a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and temperatures between 15-26°C. It is adaptable and can handle both partially and fully submerged conditions, making it very flexible.
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Maintenance: With a slow growth rate, it needs little upkeep. Simply trim any older or discolored leaves to maintain a fresh, tidy appearance.
Planting Tips:
- Plant Acorus gramineus var. pusillus in the substrate, ensuring that the crown is not buried to prevent rot.
- For emersed growth, position the plant in shallow water, keeping the roots submerged and the foliage exposed, which is ideal for paludarium setups.
- Ensure there is good water circulation around the plant to avoid debris buildup and to promote healthy growth.